With the continuous interventions of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in bolstering the agri-business sector in Region 2 amid the pandemic, officers and staff of the DTI R2 met with the officers of CSU-Business Incubation Zone for Novel and Sustainable Technology Enterprises (TBI-BizNest), a Technology Business Incubator, and CSU-DOST 2 Food Innovation Center on November 9.
This aimed to discuss possible areas of collaboration in boosting the marketability of the region’s products and to align the programs and projects of the above institution for micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) development in the region.
DTI R2 looks at these institutions as two of the strongest allies in advancing the growth of agri-based industries, and in increasing the competitiveness of food products through incubation, research and development, and product development including process improvement. This was mentioned by DTI Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Director Henry O. Conel Jr. in his opening message.
Dr. Jose Guzman, Project Leader of TBI-Biznest, presented its services in creating startups and how it nurtures MSMEs as they penetrate bigger markets.
He also shared the importance of incubation especially for startups and other activities in support of the development of the competitive food industry in Region 2.
Likewise, Prof. Dennis Policar, Project Leader of Food Innovation Center shared an overview of their services in the food industry as well the latest food products developed by the Center.
He further discussed the different initiatives for the food industry development through R&D, technology generation, S&T programs, and the food industry need.
Further, the DTI R2 programs, projects, and activities, and other interventions to scale up the agribusiness sector were presented by Ramil Garcia, Chief, SME Development Division.
He also presented the region’s priority industries, the brands and the strategies that the Department is currently focusing on.
As an offshoot of the meeting, DTI R2 and the said institutions will look into more innovations in developing startups and market-fit products with reliable quality, anchored in the programs of the DTI.
The team agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting to strategize plans and actions towards the same direction, to jumpstart the project.
DTI R2 is optimistic that this collaborative initiative which is devised to intensify interventions for the food sector will create a distinct approach and provide solutions for the agri-business players in the region.
Date of Release: 24 December 2021